We're in the middle of getting plans together to build a new house and DH is considering building a cellar/basement where access would be through a motorised "trapdoor" in the…

We started off with an architect. Nice enough guy but he was intent on stamping his "signature look" on our house. No matter how many times we asked him…

Don't worry about putting anyone off clerestory windows. Your point about considering the ease of cleaning and maintenance is an important consideration . . . particularly if majority of…

Thanks for another great tip Liliana - I've always wanted clerestory windows but never considered the difficulty with cleaning issue . . . might have to re-think the whole window…

Hi Danois, I think we will have to move on and find someone else. I hate the whole process of looking for an architect/designer . . . I'm frustrated…

Thanks, I looked them up when I read your last response and I will order the pdf today.

Are you generally happy with your home and how it finally turned out? There are always going to be elements that with hindsight you could have done differently, but I…

Only four hours in total - but there's no mention of an hourly rate for follow up consultations. I think that its important to meet in person for most…

Hi Liliana . . . I read your post last night - the first one I read after I joined the forum. It's a excellent cautionary tale. I…

Haven't tried Archicentre as yet. I've gone through Institute of Architects and BDAV website.
Ideally, I prefer to look at website portfolio before contacting them to determine whether their design…

Thanks Liliana . . . his quote only includes 4 hours of consultation/meeting time. Do you think that's enough? I think that 4 hours is a little slim. …

Hi Liliana, thanks for all this - really helpful. We've started looking at building designers in Melb and we've got a quote from one ($15,000) which stipulates only 4hrs…

Unfortunately, the architect that we were working with was intent on designing the house of his dreams not ours . . .

We're looking for recommendations for a Designer/Architect to design a custom home for us. We're in a heritage street in the northern suburbs of Melbourne and we're looking for…

Hi, can anyone comment on the following Designer's Fee Proposal?
The is our first quote of this type from a building designer and we're not sure whether this is a standard…

I'm interested in any advice that can be offered as to whether it's better to have an Architect or Building Designer design a new house. . . . and particularly…